The Evolution of Moral Codes Across History

  The Evolution of Moral Codes Across History

Morality, which encompasses the rules and principles guiding acceptable behavior within a society, has always been a cornerstone of social order. These moral codes, however, are not static; they evolve with changing historical and environmental conditions. The standards of right and wrong that once held firm in one era may shift dramatically in another. The reasons for such changes can be traced back to different modes of survival and the demands of society at different stages of development.

In early human history, during the hunting and gathering stage, survival was the primary concern. Traits like pugnacity, brutality, and greed were considered advantageous as they enabled individuals to hunt, defend territory, and ensure the group's survival. Sexual readiness was also seen as a valuable trait to promote the continuation of the population. The moral code of this era was thus aligned with behaviors that facilitated these needs, rewarding those who could best navigate the harsh demands of life.

As human society transitioned from hunting and gathering to agriculture, a significant shift in moral values occurred. The agricultural lifestyle, which involved growing crops and domesticating animals, required different qualities from its members. Traits such as industriousness, regularity, and thrift became more valuable, as the ability to maintain steady work patterns and accumulate resources was critical to survival. War and violence, once necessities in the hunting stage, became less desirable, as peace and stability were needed for the cultivation of land.

With agriculture, the family unit also underwent a transformation. The importance of raising children increased, as they were vital contributors to farming labor and the continuation of family wealth. This shift in priorities led to a new set of moral expectations centered around early marriage, monogamy, and large families. In Europe, for approximately fifteen hundred years, the agricultural moral code promoted divorceless monogamy, encouraging couples to stay together and raise multiple children within a single marriage.

However, the advent of the Industrial Revolution brought another major change in society's economic and social systems. The shift from agrarian economies to industrial production altered not only the ways people worked but also the underlying values that guided behavior. New moral philosophies emerged in response to urbanization, the growth of factories, and changes in the social structure. The traditional virtues associated with rural life, such as thrift and industriousness, began to evolve to fit the needs of a rapidly developing industrial society.

In an industrialized world, where mass production and consumerism became central, values like efficiency, individualism, and material success gained prominence. The role of the family also shifted, with the nuclear family model becoming more common in urban settings. These new conditions necessitated different moral standards to address the realities of industrial life, as traditional agricultural values were no longer sufficient to navigate the complexities of modern society.

Overall, the evolution of moral codes illustrates how human values are intricately tied to the social and economic circumstances of the time. As societies progress and transform, their moral frameworks must adapt accordingly to remain relevant and effective in promoting social cohesion.

 

 India's View of 'Mother as the First Guru' and the True Purpose of Education: Cultivating Duty and Reverence for All Beings

 
The concept of existence is deeply rooted in the belief that nothing which exists can cease to exist, and that which does not exist cannot suddenly come into being. This scientific and philosophical truth underscores the idea that our existence as individuals is owed to our mothers, while our existence as living beings is linked to Mother Earth. Although our physical forms and identities may change over time, the essence of existence itself is eternal. This unchanging reality is what ancient wisdom refers to as "Swaroopa," defined as "Sad-chid-ananda" – existence, consciousness, and bliss.

Swaroopa represents our eternal and unchanging reality, while our attachment to the body and mind leads us to mistakenly identify with a changing existence. This fundamental misunderstanding is often referred to as ignorance. True education should help us recognize this ignorance, and instead cultivate a deeper awareness of our interconnectedness. The concept that "the whole world is our family" emerges from the realization that, at the level of existence, we are all one.

 

According to Indian wisdom, the process of education, religion, and upbringing should aim at self-development, enabling individuals to discover their Swaroopa through virtuous living, righteous actions, and fulfilling one’s duties (kartavya). The goal is to recognize and realize our true nature as "Sad-chid-ananda." From an early age, individuals should be taught to respect this subtle yet profound reality – the oneness of all existence. Reverence towards our mothers, Mother Earth, and the entire creation as manifestations of the divine helps to expand the mind and develop an understanding of our shared essence.

In exploring the true nature of Swaroopa, it is essential to differentiate between the temporary forms we take on and our inherent nature. The body, mind, and intellect (BMI) are ever-changing and therefore cannot represent our true Swaroopa, which remains eternal and unchanging. Consciousness, or spirit, is the essence that enlivens the body and mind, while the body and mind themselves undergo cycles of birth, existence, and death. As such, the temporary identity associated with the body and mind is not our real self.

To illustrate Swaroopa, one can consider the nature of substances such as sugar, salt, or water. Despite their different forms and appearances, their intrinsic qualities – sweetness, saltiness, and being H2O, respectively – remain unchanged. Similarly, our true essence as consciousness is unchanging, even though we may manifest through various forms and identities. Ancient Indian philosophy has long recognized this reality, arguing that while our physical forms are temporary, our underlying existence is eternal.

Indian traditions propose that education should be a journey of self-reflection and purification of the mind, encouraging practices like righteous living, selflessness, and the recognition of divinity in all forms of life. Such self-development aims to help individuals rediscover their Swaroopa through consistent practices and actions that align with higher truths. By integrating work as worship, seeing divinity in parents, teachers, and guests, and embracing life as a process of spiritual growth, individuals can purify the mind and come closer to understanding the concept of Swaroopa.

 

The practice of self-awareness is key to liberating oneself from the mind's habitual patterns and biases. It enables individuals to go beyond their limited ego and experience a deeper connection with the true Self. As one learns to recognize this unchanging inner essence, it becomes possible to perceive the same consciousness in others, fostering love and unity. The recognition that we are all one at the level of awareness reinforces the timeless truth that existence itself never ceases, even if its forms and expressions may vary.

IF HE EXIST

 I drive joy there was a doctor in Benaras who spent 7 minutes in the morning and evening for mediation on God. Knowing this, his colleagues and friends laughed at him. One day they argued that he was wasting 7 precious minutes on something, which he had been misled into believing. The doctor replied, “Well, if God does not exist, I agree that I am wasting 7 minutes a day. But, if He exists? I am afraid you are wasting your entire lifetime. I prefer to waste 7 minutes rather than a lifetime. Why should you grudge me the 7minutes joy that I derive 4m.-

ILLUSTRATED REVIEW :7^th heaven moment of the week England women t20 team won by 7 wk England beat Pakistan scoring 802/7 and india beat Bangladesh in 3^rd odi scoring 297   

The dogs bark but the caravan goes on:

  The dogs bark but the caravan goes on:

It is often said that "the dogs bark, but the caravan goes on," symbolizing how great individuals, like elephants, are undeterred by criticism from lesser minds. The analogy highlights that just as elephants ignore the barking of dogs and continue their journey, so too do successful people push forward, paying no attention to the negativity that surrounds them. They are not swayed by the grumbling of petty or mean-spirited individuals who try to bring them down.

 

People of integrity, character, and determination remain steadfast in their goals. They carry out their work with peace and poise, unaffected by distractions. These individuals understand that responding to every negative remark would only divert their energy and delay their progress. Instead, they maintain their focus, knowing that such obstacles are temporary, while their ambitions are long-lasting.

 

For great men and women, once they commit to a path, there is no turning back. Their motto is always to aim higher, to strive for excellence with every step they take. They embrace the journey of progress inch by inch, never allowing small setbacks or criticisms to define their journey. Their persistence and dedication set them apart from those who seek to pull them down.

 

Those with smaller minds may attempt to plant thorns in their path, hoping to slow them down or discourage them. Yet, men and women of resolution and purpose remain unfazed. Their commitment to their goals is unwavering, and they accomplish their tasks with grace and precision, overcoming every obstacle with dignity. They understand that temporary challenges cannot stop them from achieving greatness.

 

These resilient individuals seem to embody the phrase "he came, he conquered, and he vanished." They leave a lasting impact through their achievements and contributions, caring little for the small-minded criticisms that may follow them. Like a caravan moving steadily forward, they continue on their journey, brushing off negativity as they move closer to their goals.

 

In overcoming the hurdles and impediments created by the envious and petty, they prove themselves as heroes. These are the people who inspire others, who are welcomed with open arms and admiration. They leave behind a legacy of courage, strength, and purpose that others seek to emulate.

 

Ultimately, the world erects welcome arches for such individuals. Their perseverance, strength of character, and ability to ignore the noise of naysayers make them worthy of respect and admiration. In the face of adversity, they press on, knowing that their greatness lies not in responding to every challenge, but in staying focused on the journey ahead.

  The Pursuit of True Happiness

Everyone desires happiness, yet the paths we take to achieve it are varied. As Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche pointed out during the ‘Spirit of Tibet’ festival in Delhi, many seek happiness through material consumption, believing that possessions will bring lasting joy. However, this kind of happiness is often fleeting and can lead to a cycle of greed, where temporary joy is followed by sorrow. When happiness is tied to material goods, it risks becoming a source of unhappiness rather than fulfillment.

 

Defining happiness is a complex task, as each individual has their own perception of what it means. At its core, happiness is more about mindset than external circumstances. One can experience physical discomfort or illness, yet maintain a sense of inner peace and contentment. Conversely, a person may be in perfect physical health but feel deeply unhappy due to emotional or mental turmoil. The key to lasting happiness lies in identifying and addressing the root causes of our dissatisfaction.

 

Often, the root cause of unhappiness is ignorance, or "avidya." To achieve inner happiness, one must cultivate wisdom and discipline both in the mind and body. True happiness isn’t simply a set of fleeting emotions but rather the absence of negative emotions. When the mind is free from disturbances and at peace, that is the essence of happiness. Sustainable happiness, according to Buddhist teachings, is found in nirvana—a state that many people do not reach in their lifetime.

 

Buddhism teaches that all sentient beings are fundamentally equal for three reasons: no one desires unhappiness, the basic nature of consciousness is the same in everyone, and each individual has the potential to evolve into their true, enlightened nature. Therefore, the way we approach others should be with a sense of balance and equality. True happiness comes from understanding this equanimity and recognizing the interconnectedness of all life.

 

Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche emphasized that negative emotions such as unfulfilled desires, fear, anxiety, jealousy, and anger are significant sources of unhappiness. To counter these emotions, one must not react impulsively but instead seek to understand their root causes. For example, rather than viewing a person consumed by anger as an enemy, we should recognize that the negative emotions, or *kleshas*, are the true enemies.

In essence, we should "hate the sin but love the sinner." The solution to negative emotions is to counter them with their opposites—anger with compassion, and violence with love. Those who are under the influence of negative emotions are often trapped, lacking control over themselves. To address the real problem, we must tackle the root causes of negative emotions, not just their outward expressions.

Finally, Rinpoche encouraged self-awareness and self-control, echoing the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. By learning to control one’s desires and emotions, individuals can achieve freedom and a better understanding of their true identity. When people compare themselves to others or believe in the negative perceptions others hold of them, they lose sight of their true selves. The path to happiness begins with freeing the mind and embracing who you are, independent of external validation.

IF HE EXIST

 I drive joy there was a doctor in Benaras who spent 7 minutes in the morning and evening for mediation on God. Knowing this, his colleagues and friends laughed at him. One day they argued that he was wasting 7 precious minutes on something, which he had been misled into believing. The doctor replied, “Well, if God does not exist, I agree that I am wasting 7 minutes a day. But, if He exists? I am afraid you are wasting your entire lifetime. I prefer to waste 7 minutes rather than a lifetime. Why should you grudge me the 7minutes joy that I derive 4m.-

ILLUSTRATED REVIEW :7^th heaven moment of the week India beat Bangladesh by 7 wk in test and first t20 and in epl arsenal no 7 scored a goal